Carcassonne Citadel, UNESCO Site in South of France

The Citadel of Carcassonne, World Heritage ©Solange Hando

There it is across the river Aude, the largest medieval walled town in Europe, restored in the 19th century by Viollet le Duc with some artistic license, but a fairy tale nevertheless.

Best overall view is across the river or from the old medieval bridge, now traffic free, which you can see on the right hand side. Ideal location for Bastille Day fireworks.

The main entrance to the Cité ©Solange Hando

The windswept Narbonne gate takes you across the drawbridge then you can stroll through the lists between the 3km enclosure of double ramparts, taking in dark dungeons and 52 towers.

Then climb up the cobbled lanes in the inner town and explore souvenir and craft shops, museums and restaurants.

Looking North ©Solange Hando

You can also walk up on the ramparts for most of the way and enjoy all round view. To the north you look out to the Black Mountain and the foothills of the Massif Central and to the south by clear weather the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees.

Below you is the Bastide, or New Town, glistening along the river and the Canal du Midi which is also a UNESCO site.

The Counts' Castle ©Solange Hando

Inside the citadel right at the very top is the inner castle where medieval counts were well protected. Carcassonne was indeed a strategic crossroad, very close to the Spanish border until this was moved  further south by the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.

See the museum inside and the nearby basilica.

Down to the Barbacane District ©Solange Hando

Walking back this way gives you different views of the ramparts, towers and gates but look out for the tourist train that uses the same path.

One of my Favourite Views ©Solange Hando

Venture round the back of the citadel and you will find these lush vineyards highlighting the iconic Cité, just as you would expect in the sunny south of France.